Chapter 54

Haven's mouth dropped open. A look of horror and pity drew over her face. No, he didn't want her pity.

"Oh my God!" Her hoarse whisper played havoc on his nerves.

"Don't do that," he growled. "Don't look at me like I am some sort of victim. I'm a grown man, I've lived my life. I've suffered no ill effects from my experience."

She shook her head. "That's not true. No ill effects? Are you kidding me? What your mother did, the fall out it left behind, is exactly why we're having this conversation. Because of what she did, and I will know exactly what happened, you are incapable of trusting any woman with a pretty face. What did she do, huh? Did she try to drown you, cut off your head, or poison you? Why would she try to kill you? What was wrong with her that she'd try to end her own son's life?" When she reached the end of her tirade, she took a gulp of air, and ran her hand over her face.